Mental health issues are surprisingly common despite popular belief. According to the National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], in 2020, an estimated 50 million adults in the United States (1 in 5) experienced mental illness. However, there is still a stigma attached to mental health issues despite how common they are. As a result of this stigma, people do not seek help.
It’s critical to look after your emotional and physical health on par with your physical health. But unlike a broken arm or the flu, mental health problems aren’t often obvious. While everyday challenges and emotional fluctuations are a normal part of life, there are specific signs that might indicate the need for professional mental health treatment. This article explores key indicators you shouldn’t ignore and delves into FDA-approved testing and treatment options available in the US. First, let’s see which symptoms indicate that someone may need mental health treatment.
When Everyday Emotions Become Disruptive
Feeling down, stressed, or anxious occasionally is a normal human experience. However, when these emotions become persistent and intense and start to interfere with your daily life, it could be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. Watch out for the following warning signs:
Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness: Feeling sad for long periods (typically two weeks or more) is a hallmark symptom of depression. This sadness can be pervasive, affecting your mood, energy levels, and interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Excessive Anxiety: Everyone worries from time to time, but when the emotion overwhelms you, and there is no end in sight, it can seriously interfere with your everyday activities. This could be a sign of an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Anger Outbursts or Irritability: Feeling irritable or frustrated is normal. However, if you find yourself getting angry easily, having uncontrollable outbursts, or feeling constantly on edge, it could be a sign of an underlying condition like depression, anxiety, or a mood disorder.
Modifications in Appetite or Sleep: Notable variations in your sleeping or eating habits may be signs of mental health problems. It could involve having trouble falling asleep, waking up a lot at night, or experiencing changes in appetite that affect weight.
Loss of Pleasure or Interest: The inability to pursue past interests. Feelings of loneliness and social disengagement might be indicators of depression or other mental health issues.
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions: Anxiety, depression, or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may be the cause of your difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or finishing work because of mental fog or racing thoughts.
Beyond Emotions: Behavioral Changes
Beyond emotional shifts, significant changes in behavior can also indicate the need for professional help. Here are some behavioral signs to be aware of:
Substance Abuse or Dependency: Using drugs, alcohol, or other substances more frequently to deal with emotional problems may indicate a mental health issue.
Suicidal or self-harming thoughts: It’s critical to get help right away if you’re having suicidal or self-harming thoughts. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit their website.
Social Withdrawal: Refusing to interact with friends, family, or the public may indicate melancholy, anxiety, or social anxiety.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Difficulty managing work, school, or household responsibilities due to overwhelming emotions or lack of motivation can be indicative of a mental health issue.
Changes in Personality: A significant shift in personality, such as becoming withdrawn or exhibiting erratic behavior, could be a sign of a mental health condition.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that showing any one of these symptoms does not automatically indicate that you suffer from a mental health issue. But, it’s imperative that you get expert assistance if you have multiple of these symptoms for an extended length of time and they are seriously interfering with your day-to-day activities.
Seeking Professional Help: Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A mental health expert, such as a certified therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist, can diagnose you if your symptoms are troubling and suggest the best course of action. Below is a summary of the procedures involved in diagnosis and therapy:
Diagnosis: Mental health professionals typically use a combination of methods to diagnose a mental health condition. A physical examination, psychological tests, and a clinical interview may be necessary to rule out any underlying medical disorders that might be the source of the symptoms.
FDA-Approved Procedures for Testing: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US controls a number of mental health evaluations. Some commonly used FDA-approved tests include:
- Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): These computer-administered tests are designed to adapt to the individual’s responses. They provide a more efficient and reliable assessment.
- Neuropsychological Tests: These neuropsychological tests assess cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, problem-solving, and language skills. When identifying disorders like learning difficulties, dementia, or ADHD, they can be useful.
Therapy Options: For mental health disorders, a range of evidence-based therapy options are available, such as:
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, entails working with a mental health professional to enhance emotional control, address negative thought patterns, and create coping skills. Psychotherapy comes in a variety of forms, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Medication: A psychiatrist may occasionally prescribe medication to treat mental health condition symptoms. In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drugs used for mental health therapy, the FDA is a key player in the approval process. Among the classes of medications that are frequently recommended are mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs.
- Combination Therapy: The most successful treatment strategy frequently combines medicine and psychotherapy.
Finding the Right Mental Health Professional
Finding the right therapist or psychiatrist is crucial for successful treatment. Here are some tips for finding a qualified professional:
Request suggestions: Seek advice from friends, family, your primary care physician, or your insurance provider.
Consider your needs: Think about your specific needs and preferences, such as the type of therapy you’re interested in or the therapist’s gender or cultural background.
Check qualifications: Ensure the therapist is licensed to practice in your state and has experience treating your specific condition.
Arrange for consultations: To find out if they are a suitable fit for you and to explore your requirements, many mental health providers offer free initial appointments.
Conclusion
Mental health disorders are curable. Furthermore, with the correct assistance, you may control your symptoms and have a happy, healthy life. Do not hesitate to seek expert assistance if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. Help is accessible, and there is hope.
